A Radnorshire woman who lost nearly five stone over lock down has been named Slimming World ‘Woman of the Year 2021’.

In the first competition since Slimming World welcomed members back to in-person community groups Jane Thomas from Llandrindod Wells was recognised for her incredible four stone and nine pounds weight loss.

Jane, who started to gain weight following a Fibromyalgia and arthritis diagnosis, said she couldn’t believe the difference in her life since shedding the weight.

She said: “This is an incredible honour. When I first joined Slimming World, I never dreamt that I would be in the position I am now. Losing weight has made such a big difference to my life.

“My health has improved, I have more energy, I’m happier and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Jane joined Slimming World in November 2019 after feeling unhappy about her size:

The super-slimmer said: “I started to put on weight after being diagnosed with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Health professionals told me that I would likely to be in a wheel chair unable to move far within a year - I knew I had to give my body a fighting chance.

“I hadn’t really tried any thing else to try to lose weight. I had recently moved to Llandrindod Wells and didn’t know anyone so was hoping to make friends as well as lose weight, and so I found my local Slimming World group.”

Jane emphasised that losing weight doesn’t have to be restrictive as she still enjoys all her favourite meals - including road dinners and curries - and that it’s the way she cooks them that has changed and makes the difference.

She said: “I eat all my favourite meals, like roast dinners, curries, fish dishes . I just prepare and cook them differently now – and they taste so much better. I never have to miss out and I don’t have to get hung up on weighing and measuring everything I eat.”

Jane, who lost 5.5lbs in her first week as a member of the community slimming group, said she was blown away that the changes she had implemented in her lifestyle had such a big impact so quickly.

Jane said: “I know it can feel like a big step joining Slimming World because you don’t know what to expect, right from the first moment I walked into my group I was made to feel at ease though – and I’ve made lifelong friends.

“The support I’ve received throughout my journey has been amazing – especially during the last few months when my group went virtual – and being able to catch up through my online group each week was a lifeline that kept me going throughout lockdown.

“I’ve picked up so many tips from other members at my group and I’ve really enjoyed getting creative and trying new recipes. There’s nothing quite like being together in group though and I’m so excited to now be seeing everyone in person.”

Over time the lifestyle changes became regular habits and as the weight started to come off, Jane - pictured left and right - said she started to think about how active she was too.

Now Jane loves to walk in the Welsh countryside with her dogs and has recently started to regularly run five kilometres. She has run as far as ten miles which, after being told she would likely be in a wheelchair by now, is a massive achievement

Jane said: “I remember feeling like I would never be happy in my own skin again. I feel like a different woman to the one who walked into Slimming World 15 months ago and I’ve realised when people believe in you like my consultant Sam and fellow members – and you believe in yourself – you can do anything you set your mind to.

“Winning Woman of the Year is a real honour because there are so many amazing women and men in our group, and being able to celebrate with all my new friends around me, after months of being apart made this win feel more special.”

Sam Pembridge, who runs the Llandrindod Wells group, says: “I couldn’t be more proud of Jane. She’s a fantastic ambassador for Slimming World and what she’s achieved – especially during the last few months which have been incredibly tough for many of us – is nothing short of incredible.

“I’m constantly inspired by Jane’s determination each week and has come so far from the first time she walked into my group – she’s now beaming with confidence and she’s definitely made changes for life.

“Given the links between COVID-19 and obesity and the impact of lockdown, I know lots of people are worrying about their weight more than ever before, so I really hope Jane’s weight loss can inspire people to get started on their own journey and show them that there’s a whole group of people waiting to support them every step of the way – and absolutely no judgement.”

FELLOW Llandrindod super-slimmer Laura Rimmer Khan has enjoyed showing off her weight loss success as she also lost four stone.

Laura joined the Wednesday evening group in Llandrindod Wells in January 2021 in a bid to lose weight that was gained during lockdown.

She says: “Like many people do, every year I’d make the same resolution to lose weight, and also like many, I’d never follow through with it. I’ve struggled with my weight since having my children, and like a lot of people lockdown took its toll on my waistline, I noticed I was avoiding having my photo taken with my family.

“It wasn’t until I saw some pictures of myself that had been taken without me knowing that I realised just how much weight I had gained. I was embarrassed and ashamed at how unhealthy I had become.”

However, Laura was determined to change, especially after she was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura and alopecia, and so she joined the virtual slimming world group during lockdown - determined to lose weight and feel to make a difference to her health.

Laura said that she was a little nervous joining the virtual slimming world group as she didn’t know what to expect although she he was soon put at ease and was warmly greeted via zoom by her consultant Sam and the other members.

She said: “When I was introduced to the plan, I was so surprised by all the food that I could still eat, such as pasta, rice and potatoes, without feeling guilty and would fit in beautifully with my family so I wouldn’t need to cook different meals.

“I got stuck in right away and started cooking meals from scratch, rather than relying on convenience foods or takeaways, I stocked up on plenty of fruit in case I got hungry between meals. I can still enjoy a treat every now and then, too.”

Laura , who’s dropped from size 16/18 to size 12 clothing, said: “Joining Slimming World was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m much healthier and happier and I’m confident the habits I’ve discovered will stay with me forever. I’m especially happy that the fatigue I struggle with due to ITP has improved.

“ I’m more confident my mental health has improved. Taking care of myself has not only improved my health but it has benefited my 5 children so much.”

Slimming World was founded by Margaret Miles-Bramwell in 1969 and there are now more than 18,000 weekly groups supporting 900,000 members across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Groups are run by a network of 4,500 community-based Slimming World Consultants, who receive specific training in the role of diet and physical activity in weight management, as well as sophisticated behaviour-change techniques.

Sam Pembridge, who runs the Llandrindod Wells group that Laura attends, says she couldn’t be prouder Laura’s achievement.

Sam said: “She has come so far since joining Slimming World. Her determination to lose weight and lead a healthier life is really inspiring, both to me and all of the other members in the Llandrindod Wells group. I hope she will inspire other people in Llandrindod wells and show them that it is possible to lose that excess baggage they’ve been carrying.”

The Llandrindod Wells Slimming World group is held every Wednesday at 5.30pm and 7pm at Llandrindod Wells Rugby club. To join or find out more call Sam on 07920729667.